PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

Media eNewsletter: The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau’s quarterly media eNewsletter, News, Updates & Aloha From O‘ahu, communicates O‘ahu’s current regenerative tourism direction, Mālama Hawai‘i news, and updates on visitor experiences and tourism products to our U.S. media and to our HTA GMTs to disseminate to their respective market media.

  • O‘ahu Visitors Bureau distributed its Q1 News, Updates and Aloha from O‘ahu, release to local and national media, local PR partners, and GMTs on February 7.
  • O‘ahu Visitors Bureau is working on putting together its next Regenerative Tourism Updates on Oʻahu release which is slated for distribution in late March. Please send your latest updates to Kalei Kaaialii.

Visiting Media: The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau continues to vet and support media visits that will translate to stories that impact visitors, residents, and the industry positively. The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau hosted the following media:

  • OVB continues to vet and schedule media visits for 2024 year that will translate to stories that impact visitors, residents, and the industry positively.
  • OVB connected with freelancer Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku who is planning to visit Oʻahu from Feb. 20-22 on assignment to write five stories covering Honolulu travel for Fodor's.

 

TRAVEL TRADE & SALES

The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau is working closely with HVCB and the other Island Visitors Bureaus to align and prepare for sales activities in 2024.

  • Webinar: Skystone Travel Club & Creative Getaways | Feb 13; 38pax in attendance. OVB shared destination updates along with KVB, and MVCB

 

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES & SUPPORT

Global Marketing Team (GMT) Support. The Oʻahu Visitors Bureau, along with the other Island Chapters, assist the HTA GMTs with guidance and expertise on each island. The Oʻahu Visitors Bureau provided support for the following programs:

  • Travel Trade & Sales
    • Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania (HTO): Responded to request and provided for contact information for We Are Explorers - Australian digital publication
    • Hawai‘i Tourism Europe (HTE): OVB along with KVB, MVCB, and IHVB had a virtual Meet & Greet with new HTE team. HTE shared market updates & upcoming sales initiatives planned.
    • Provided non-resort venue options for Australia based client looking to host meeting on O‘ahu in April. E-introduced Meet Hawai‘i Country Director, Oceania to client.
    • OVB is working with HTA, other IVBs, and HTA GMTs on preparing the “Hawaiʻi Lane” for IPW 2024 in Los Angeles

 

UPCOMING TRAVEL TRADE & SALES (FEB – APR)

  • Webinar: Skystone Travel Club & Creative Getaways| Feb. 13
  • Hawai‘i Tourism Authority – Spring Tourism Update, HI | Mar 6
  • Hawai‘i Tourism Authority – Global Marketing Team O‘ahu FAM, HI | Mar 7
  • Travel Agent Forum: Las Vegas, NV | Mar. 24 – Mar. 27
  • Travel Weekly Leadership Forum, HI | Apr 9
  • Island Chapter Visitors Bureau Multi Island FAM, HI | Apr 10 -17

 

OTHER AREAS

O‘ahu’s Upcoming Events:

  • Honolulu Festival | March 9-10, 2024

The "28th Honolulu Festival" will be held from March 9th (Saturday) to 10th (Sunday), 2024! The Honolulu Festival is Hawaiʻi's premier cultural event, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the Festival attracts thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience unique to Hawaiʻi. Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, the Festival has been successful in showcasing the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures to the rest of the world. Events and activities of the Honolulu Festival take place close to the city center, making them great outings for locals and tourists alike. Admission to all the events is free, ensuring that everyone can take part in the Festival. Learn more online.

 

  • The 2024 HIFF Spring Showcase | March 21-18, 2024

HIFF will present new feature films with award winning short films exclusively at Consolidated Kahala Theaters from March 21-28, 2024. Mark your calendar for two HIFF events this spring. First, the 2024 Spring Showcase Presented by Halekulani (Mar 21-28) promises to bring a diverse slate of Made-in-Hawaiʻi, Pasifika, Asian, and international cinema for an exciting week in the islands! Soon after, join HIFF for the brand new ʻŌpio Fest (April 5-7), a celebration of Hawaiʻi's student filmmakers! Passes and tickets are available for advanced purchase here, or by calling the HIFF Box Office. 1-808-447-0577 | info@hiff.org

 

  • Hapalua Half Marathon | April 14, 2024

This annual 13.1-mile event starts in Waikīkī ends in Kapi‘olani Park, and it has a unique “chase” format, where top runners start behind and aim to catch up. Registered participants are routed along the scenic streets of Honolulu, passing landmarks and enjoying stunning views. There are no qualifications to enter, and runners and walkers are equally welcome. There is no time limit at the Hapalua. Learn more and register online.